South Cambridgeshire is celebrating a major success in tackling long-term empty homes, with 75 properties transformed into modern family homes since the appointment of a dedicated Empty Homes Officer in 2022.
The initiative, led by South Cambridgeshire District Council, has turned neglected houses into vibrant homes for new families, helped ease housing pressures, and breathed new life into communities across the district.
A recent example in Comberton highlights just how transformative this work can be. A property that had stood empty for 17 years, surrounded by an overgrown garden, has been fully renovated and is now a striking modern home for a new family.
Cllr Natalie Warren-Green, Lead Cabinet Member for Environment at South Cambridgeshire District Council, said:
“The work to enable this transformation shows the dedication and persistence it takes to bring long-term vacant properties back into use. Behind the scenes, our Empty Homes Officer is helping families, unlocking housing potential, and reviving local neighbourhoods.
We’re committed to tackling empty properties and creating opportunities for them to become homes again. This is a fantastic example of what can be achieved with the right support. We encourage anyone who either owns or knows of an empty property to get in touch with us. Whether it’s been vacant for years or just recently, we’re here to help bring it back into use – and make a real difference to our communities.”
The Comberton property had remained unoccupied since 2008 following a family bereavement. Despite probate being granted in 2010, it stayed untouched for over a decade, accruing Council Tax charges of £8,000 a year.
After months of patient engagement, site visits, and correspondence by the Council’s Empty Homes Officer, the family owners were inspired to act.
With support from the Council, they cleared the garden, prepared the property for sale, and worked with a developer who used the Council’s VAT reduction guidance to help fund the renovation.
Within weeks of being listed, the property was sold, and a new family moved in — marking the start of a fresh chapter for both the home and the community.
This case is one of many successes since the Council introduced the dedicated officer role. The work continues to ensure that long-term empty properties across South Cambridgeshire are given a new lease of life.
To see a YouTube video showcasing the Comberton transformation and find out more about how South Cambridgeshire District Council is bringing empty homes back into use, visit South Cambridgeshire District Council’s Empty Homes webpage.
